T-Wings and Shield Concept on F1 Strategy Group agenda

The F1 Strategy Group has made a decision to ‘strictly limit’ the use of the T-Wing and Shark Fin from the 2018 Formula 1 season. The Shield safety concept looks set for a 2018 introduction too.

Loopholes in the new for 2017 regulations allowed the return of the shark fins, plus a small wing to be attached to that fin to create an additional amount of downforce. The shark fins have been controversial, but the majority of fans seemed able to cope with them on the car and in some cases, as on the Toro Rosso, they looked quite good. The T-Wing, or coat-hanger wing, has been less appealing though and it looks set to be a popular choice amongst fans and people in the paddock that they are to be banned.

“Changes in the regulation boxes around the engine cover have been made so that designs incorporating the ‘T-wing’ and ‘shark fin’ will be strictly limited”

Statement from the F1 Strategy Group

Another decision that was made was the return of standing restarts after a red flag. The practice has been used before in the sport but not for some time, and currently the rules see the cars resume racing after a lap behind the safety car. This decision may be controversial, but it is much better than the standing restarts after every safety car which seemed to have been quietly dropped before this season started after talk of it pre-season. And the practice has been used before, so is not a useless gimmick.

“A number of more integrated solutions for additional frontal protection have been studied, and the decision has been taken to give priority to the transparent ‘Shield’ family of systems. The FIA aims to carry out track tests of this system during this season in preparation for implementation in 2018.”

Statement from the F1 Strategy Group

The meeting also saw the drop of the halo safety device in favour of further development of the shield concept which is similar to that of Red Bull’s aeroscreen. The halo was tested on all cars last year across various Free Practice sessions and looked set for a 2017 introduction before being dropped and readied for a 2018 introduction. The drivers though were recently showed the shield as an alternative and it has emerged as the preferred safety device. All being well, it will be introduced for the 2018 season.